Behind the Canvas: My Exhibition Journey & Process
A documentation of my studio practice at the Sir J.J. School of Art, my exhibition history, and the philosophical dialogue between my work and the community.
A glimpse into my life and studio at the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. The video shows me at work on a canvas, surrounded by other paintings, and also features views of the historic and inspiring campus.
A candid moment in my studio, seated before a large work-in-progress. This space is where my ideas take form, surrounded by finished pieces and the raw materials of my craft.
Visitors and friends posing with me in front of my large-scale painting 'Bhaarat Maata' at an exhibition. It is always a profound experience to see people interact with my work in person.
A visitor viewing and interacting with the details of my 'Bhaarat Maata' triptych. The scale of the piece invites close inspection of its intricate narrative.
A photo of me standing proudly next to a section of my large narrative painting, wearing a traditional garment that connects to the themes in my art.
Moments from an art exhibition, where I am seen with my artwork and posing with friends and fellow artists. These events are vital for community and dialogue.
Posing with family and friends in front of my artwork during an exhibition. Their support is an integral part of my journey as an artist.
Visitors at my exhibition, observing and discussing the artwork. I am seen here explaining the concepts behind the paintings to a group of students.
More photos with friends and supporters in front of my large canvas at an exhibition. Sharing my work with others is the culmination of many hours of solitary effort.
Visitors at my exhibition stall, viewing the collection of paintings on display. The gallery setting allows each piece to be seen with proper lighting and context.
About My Journey: Exhibitions & Process
My studio at the Sir J.J. School of Art is where I refine the woven-bamboo texture technique that defines my conceptual work. When you engage with my exhibition gallery, you are seeing the result of a deliberate process, where I translate ancestral memories and the 'subconscious struggle' onto the canvas.
The Studio as a Repository
My artistic process begins in the studio, a space not merely for production but for the preservation of vanishing craft. Here, I spend hours applying the 'woven-bamboo' texture—a technique inspired by the basketry and palm-leaf weaving of my tribal ancestors. Each piece of canvas is stretched and prepared with the intent to document what is often overlooked in our rapid transition toward modernity.
Exhibitions and Dialogue
The images shown here capture moments from various events, including the 'Roopa-Bheda' Annual Art Exhibition at Sir J.J. School of Art. For me, an exhibition is not a static display of finished goods; it is a vital interaction. Whether I am at a residential art camp or a gallery setting, I value the opportunity to stand beside works like 'Bhaarat Maata' and explain the philosophical underpinnings of my practice to students and collectors alike.
Interaction and Philosophy
I believe that art must communicate a 'subconscious struggle'—the internal conflict between our ancestral roots and our present-day aspirations. When visitors engage with my paintings, the conversation often shifts from visual aesthetics to the historical and social themes I aim to address. This interaction, captured in these moments, is the culmination of my work. It validates the effort, from the charcoal sketches to the large-format acrylic works, confirming that the stories of our village life still resonate with a wider audience.
Pratap Badtya
I am Pratap. I use my paintings to document the 'subconscious struggle' I see in daily life and our shared history. For me, an exhibition is not just a display—it is a conversation where my ancestral memories meet the present moment.
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